1st Minnesota Civil War drum, 1861, by William S. Tompkins, Yonkers, New York

1st Minnesota Civil War drum, 1861.

The 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment was the first unit from any state pledged to fight for the Union. As part of the Army of the Potomac, the 1st took part in many significant battles and campaigns including Bull Run, the Peninsula Campaign, Antietam, and Gettysburg.The Battle of Gettysburg was the 1st Minnesota’s finest hour, where it made a heroic charge that helped secure the Union victory. The regiment suffered heavy losses as a result.

Featured on the Minnesota Historical Society's Collections Up Close blog.

The maker's name, city and state is printed on the artwork toward the bottom of the drum. It's a Tompkins drum.